Pronounce h sound

To create the h sound, the deep back of the tongue slightly constricts within the throat. The upper/front part of the tongue as well as the lips will often move into the shape of surrounding sounds at the same time as the h sound is being produced.

A common error to address in accent reduction or English pronunciation classes is overproducing the /h/ by constricting the tongue too much within the throat or by voicing the sound.

How to pronounce the 'h sound' /h/

'h sound' illustration

The 'h sound' /h/ is unvoiced, and the vocal cords do not vibrate during the production of this sound.

To create the h sound, the deep back of the tongue slightly constricts within the throat. The upper/front part of the tongue as well as the lips will often move into the shape of surrounding sounds at the same time as the h sound is being produced.

A common error English language learners make is overproducing the /h/ by constricting the tongue too much within the throat or by voicing the sound.

Listen to the 'h sound'

Pronuncian: American English Pronunciation

Learn and practice American English pronunciation with free online lessons and videos. Minimal pairs and listen-and repeat practice helps English Language Learners speak English more fluently and achieve accent reduction.

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